Celebrating Independence Day, as we did last Friday, is an important way of remembering those who have given so much for our liberty. Yet our gratitude for our country and the brave men and women who defend it cannot be measured only by an annual commemoration. Upholding the virtues that have made America a nation like no other, the virtues of integrity and family, faith and liberty, self-control and initiative, work and resourcefulness among them, helps us honor our country every day.

Those virtues sometimes still resonate on the federal bench, as well. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down an important ruling upholding religious liberty and protecting the conscience rights of family businesses who object to being forced to serve as a conduit for coverage of sterilizations, contraception and drugs that can kill an unborn child. FRC hasproduced careful analyses of this decision so critical to our First Freedom, the freedom of religion.

Commenting on the ruling, FRC President Tony Perkins said, "All Americans can be thankful that the Court reaffirmed that freedom of conscience is a long-held American tradition and that the government cannot impose a law on American men and women that forces them to violate their beliefs in order to hold a job, own a business, or purchase health insurance."

When victories happen, defeats can also occur. A case in point is the recent ruling in Kentucky, in which a U.S. District Court Judge overturned the Commonwealth's marriage amendment. Kentucky voters voted overwhelmingly for the amendment with 75 percent of the vote. That's why we keep on advancing faith, family, and freedom, whether we win or lose.

Those who have won the liberties we enjoy deserve no less.

Sincerely,

Rob Schwarzwalder Senior Vice President Family Research Council

P.S. Here are some other recent free FRC resources on issues important to our country's future: